La Liga Team of the Week

What a three days of action it has been in La Liga. Barcelona almost dropped home points against lowly Granada, until Xavi came off the bench to spoil their party.

There were also wins for Real Zaragoza, Celta Vigo and Real Betis on Saturday. Meanwhile, Real Mallorca, Levante and Atletico Madrid followed suit on what turned out to be an incredible Sunday.

Real Madrid had hoped to record a timely three points at Rayo Vallecano on the same evening, but the loss of light inside Rayo's stadium put the action back 24 hours.

Madrid did indeed take all three points when the match was finally played, but they remain eight points behind league leaders Barcelona.

Here, Sports Mole picks out the 11 players that made their mark in La Liga this week.

Tono (Granada)
If ever a goalkeeper did not deserve to be on the losing side at the Nou Camp, then it was Tono. The 32-year-old made a host of world-class saves against Barcelona, but it was not enough to secure his side a point.

Dani Alves (Barcelona)
In a match where his teammates struggled for any real invention, the Brazilian was a constant threat down the right. He played the entire match as a right winger and was just such an outlet for his team.
Inigo Lopez (Granada)
Lopez was another man who did not deserve to suffer defeat against Barcelona. He thwarted Lionel Messi and David Villa throughout the 90 minutes. However, Xavi was waiting on the sidelines.
Mario (Real Betis)
The 30-year-old is another defender who does not really get the credit he deserves. He had a fine match against Espanyol, making interception after interception.
Martin Demichelis (Malaga)
During a fairly ordinary 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao, the experienced Argentine was a class act in the middle of the defence. He may have lost his pace, but he remains such a cool head.

Xavi (Barcelona)
Some have ludicrously suggested that the little Spaniard could be past his best. Oh how he answered his critics with a terrific strike into the top corner against Granada. He remains, for me, the best central midfielder in the world.
Apono (Real Zaragoza)
Apono was on the scoresheet as his side recorded a 3-1 win over Osasuna. Aside from his goal, the Spaniard was full of running and used possession to good effect.
Michael Essien (Real Madrid)
The former Chelsea midfielder slotted effortlessly into the Madrid team against Rayo Vallecano. He was bright and inventive and provided a powerful force in the middle of the park.
Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo)
The Argentine is quickly emerging into one of the most useful midfield players in the league. He scored a wonderful goal in his side's 2-1 win over Getafe and used possession so intelligently.
Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
It must be said that I am not the Argentine's biggest fan, but he was impressive against Rayo Vallecano. He provided the opening goal for Karim Benzema and so nearly added one himself.

Falcao (Atletico Madrid)
The former Porto striker was on the scoresheet once more against Real Valladolid to cap an all-action display. That's now eight goals in five games for the Colombian this season.